London can be a great place to study, more than that however, London is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are many ways to experience it on a student budget. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or science, you’re sure to find something to enjoy. Keep reading to know more about some of the best free and low-cost museums and attractions that London has to offer.
Visiting the Imperial War Museum as an International student
The Imperial War Museum is one of the best places for any international student with an interest in history to visit. If you have an interest in military history in particular, this is a must visit as it covers the history of WWI to the present day.
The museum has a wide range of collections of documents, photographs, artifacts including planes and tanks. There are also immersive exhibits on display for a different form of learning experience.
Overall it can be described as necessary visit to shed some light on humanity`s darkest moments, and an opportunity to gain a new perspective on the world.
Here are 10 things to see at the Imperial War Museum:
- Naval Guns
- First World War Gallery
- Tanks
- Aircraft
- Family in Wartime Exhibition
- Holocaust Exhibition
- World War 2 Rockets
- Surveillance drones
- The Secret War
- Lord Ashcroft Collection
For more information about this list take a look at the source: https://www.guidelondon.org.uk/blog/british-military/top-10-things-see-imperial-war-museum
Key things to note
Cost: Free – but some special exhibitions require payment
How to get there: Public transport is the easiest way – Elephant and Castle station. Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ, United Kingdom.
Opening times: 10:00AM -6:00PM
For more information please visit the The Imperial War museum Website: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london
If you prefer finding more information visually, have a look at this vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j4pEwR_0_E
Here are some more reasons to look forward to it:
British Museum
The British museum is one of the most comprehensive museums with a range of artifacts across the globe throughout the last 2 million years of history. With around 8 million objects to explore, you will for sure have plenty to see! Some iconic artifacts include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Sculptures as well as the Lewis Chessmen. One aspect that international students may find interesting is that the museum holds artifacts from different cultures such as Chinese porcelain to Egyptian Mummies.
To make the most out of your visit, it may be best to focus on specific interests and plan ahead. Using the maps might best if you are someone who is easily lost!
Here are a list of the recommended artifacts to see during your visit:
- Rosetta Stone
- Sopilos Vase
- The Parthenon Sculptures
- The Tomb of The Unknown Craftsman
- Crouching Venus
- Bust of Ramesses The Great
- The Lfe Head
- Tree of Life
- Akun Drum
- Aztec Serpent
- The Piranesi Vase
- Edmund De Wall
- Haida House Pole
- Hoa Hakananai’a
For more information on this list please refer to the source: https://www.britishmuseum.org/blog/14-things-not-miss-british-museum
Key things to note
Cost : Free
How to get there: Closet tube station is Tottenham Court Road or Holborn. Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
Opening times: 10:00 – 17:00 Fridays – 20:30.
For more information please visit the British Museum website: https://www.britishmuseum.org/
Have a look at the reviews if you are unsure:
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d187555-Reviews-The_British_Museum-London_England.html
London Royal Parks
The 8 royal parks in London each offers a unique different experience to the busy and fast paced life in London. If you are an international student feeling overwhelmed with their studies looking for a place for peace and quiet, then this suggestion may be the right one for you. The 8 Royal Parks include Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regrent`s Park & Primrose Hill, Richmond Park, St James Park, Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower gardens.
The main reasons for visiting are:
- Beautiful scenery
- Free activities
- Wildlife
- Historical Significance
Ideally choose a park to visit based on your interests, and check the weather before heading out.
Key things to note
Cost : Free
How to get there: Most parks are easily accessible by public transport
Opening times: Make sure to check each park`s website to find out what times you can visit
For more information, have a look at their Website: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks
The National Gallery
The National Gallery is world famous art museum in the heart of London, consisting of some the most well known artists throughout European history. Artists include Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt as well as many others.
The gallery offers special exhibitions that provide more insight into the artists and themes, as well as educational programs and guided tours. Once again, the best option might be to plan ahead so you have the time to see your favorite pieces of work.
The amount of art to see can be overwhelming. As such, you may use this list of the most famous paintings as a guide to help you if you prefer:
- The Virgin Of the Rocks – Leonardo Da Vinci
- The Arnolfini Portrait – Jan Van Eyck
- A Young Woman Standing At A Virginial – Johannes Vermeer
- Bacchus and Ariadne – Titian
- Sunflowers – Vincent Van Gogh
- The Fighting Temeraire – Joeseph Mallord Wiliam Turner
- Venus and Mars – Sandro Botticelli
For more information on this list please refer to the source: https://www.letmeshowyoulondon.com/what-to-see-at-the-national-gallery-in-london/
Key things to note
Cost : Free
How to get there: Nearest tube stations are Charing Cross and Leicester Square. Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
Opening times: 10:00-18:00 Fridays until 21:00
For more information please visit The National Gallery website: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/
These are just a few of many places to visit in London, and there are many ways to experience it without spending a lot of money for International students. Take advantage of the city`s diverse culture and learn about its history.
If you found this article helpful, feel free to share and have a look at the other blog articles for more advice on living in the UK as an international student! For example: https://glidesdotonline.wordpress.com/2024/09/04/what-the-chinese-student-needs-to-know-about-living-in-the-uk-ultimate-guide/